Washington, DC – The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda have reached a breakthrough in efforts to end their long-standing conflict, signing a draft peace agreement in Washington following three days of intensive dialogue, according to a joint statement from both nations and the United States Department of State.
The provisional deal, announced late Wednesday, addresses key political, security, and economic concerns. Provisions include disarmament, reintegration of non-state armed groups, and the voluntary return of refugees and internally displaced persons.
“This is a crucial step toward lasting peace,” the joint statement noted, calling the talks “constructive” and forward-looking.
A Region Torn by Violence
Eastern DRC has been mired in violence for decades, with dozens of armed groups competing for control over the region’s mineral-rich resources — including cobalt, gold, copper, and lithium. The situation deteriorated rapidly in January, when the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group captured Goma, the largest city in eastern DRC, followed by the strategic town of Bukavu.
Despite Rwanda’s denial of support for the M23, international observers — including the United Nations and Amnesty International — have raised serious concerns.
“These acts violate international humanitarian law and may amount to war crimes,” Amnesty said in a May report, which accused M23 fighters of torturing and killing civilians.
On Monday, UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk condemned abuses by all sides, including DRC forces and allied militias, and called for an immediate ceasefire, emphasizing the need to respect international humanitarian and human rights law.
US Push for Peace and Investment
The United States has played a key role in brokering this draft deal, driven by a dual objective: restoring peace and enabling Western investment in eastern Congo’s vast mineral reserves — considered critical for the global tech and green energy industries.
“Peace and investment go hand in hand,” said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, describing the potential as a “win-win” for both African nations and the international community.
In April, Massad Boulos, the US special envoy to Africa, visited both countries to press Kigali to end its alleged support for the rebels and to lay the groundwork for the Washington talks.
The draft agreement, which follows six previously failed truces since 2021, will be formally signed on June 27 in the US capital. The ceremony will feature ministers from the DRC and Rwanda, as well as Secretary Rubio and Qatari diplomatic representatives.
A Fragile but Pivotal Moment
Although the agreement is still provisional, analysts and diplomats view it as the most substantial peace effort in years. However, they caution that implementation will be key, especially in a region where past ceasefires have quickly unraveled.
Angola, which had been mediating until March, stepped down citing a lack of progress. The US and Qatar have since taken the lead in negotiations.
If successful, the deal could signal a shift in central African geopolitics — opening the door for regional stability, economic development, and a new chapter in DRC-Rwanda relations.
